Stock Pot
Every good cook knows that a stock pot is one appliance a kitchen should have. Also called cooks pot, the stock pot has plenty of uses. Basically, it is used for making stocks and stock reductions. However, you can also use the stock pot when you cook pasta and make homemade tomato sauce, soups or your other specialty dishes.Because of its flexibility, one should consider buying a stock pot that is sturdy enough to handle your cooking requirements and one that will last for many years.
Qualities Of A Good Stock Pot
Stock pots are available in various sizes, ranging from as small as 6 quarts to as large as a 20 quart stock pot. For home cooking, the ideal size should be between 6 to 12 quarts which is large enough for you to make your stock, but still handy for making soups or braising meats. A stock pot usually has a round base with deep sides and a cover. However, stock pots can also come in shorter and wider shapes. You can choose which shape you want depending on what you are making. But for stocks and soups, the longer pot would be more appropriate. You should choose a stock pot that has a sturdy structure. Stocks and soups require a long time to cook so your stock pot needs to have a thick and heavy bottom to be able to withstand sitting on the stove for a long period of time. Stock pots that have a thin bottom may cause your ingredients to stick to the bottom thus ruining the taste of whatever you’re cooking.
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Rachael Ray 9 Quart Stock Pot
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Because the sturdiness of a stock pot is essential to good cooking, one must consider the material used before buying one. Stock pots usually come in copper, aluminum, cast iron, stainless steel, non-stick or a combination of different materials. While there are different views as to what a good stock pot should be made of, each material has its advantages and disadvantages. One important thing to consider in choosing the material is its ability to transmit heat from the source to the food evenly and efficiently. Each material conducts heat differently so you have to match it to your style of cooking. This way the heat will be transferred evenly and your soup will be cooked the way it is supposed to be.
Safety requires that the handle of the stock pot should be secure so it will not fall when you lift the pot filled with hot soup. Thus, when buying a stock pot, pick one with handles that are securely attached to the pot using heavy screws or rivets. There are also stock pot models that have heat resistant handles. Nonetheless, it is always wise to be careful by using your pot mitts when taking the cook ware from the stove or oven. The pot handle shape should also be comfortable enough to hold so that you can carry and transfer it with less effort.
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Cuisinart Stainless Steel Stock Pot
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Tipd For Buying A Stock Pot
Buying stock pots require a lot of decision making. First, in choosing the material, you have to research or consult someone with experience to be able to find one that fits your needs. Some of the more popular brands in the market are Calphalon, All-Clad, Anolon, Circulon, Emerilware, Le Creuset, and Farberware as mentioned earlier, the most versatile size for stock pot is the 12 quart as you can use it for a variety of cooking like soups, stews, pasta, sauce, and a lot more.
Choosing the material is quite tricky. A stainless steel stock pot is a good choice because it is durable and can last for a long time. A copper stock pot, on the other hand, is just a durable and it is able to conduct heat better than steel. This means that you will have less cooking time. An added bonus is that copper looks attractive and can be displayed in the kitchen.
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Prime Pacific 20 Quart Stock Pot
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For those who are on a tight budget, a good choice would be an aluminum stock pot. While it is cheaper, one disadvantage is that aluminum reacts to food and sometimes discolors recipes. Once you have bought your stock pot, proper maintenance is important so it will last a long way. Cleaning the stock pot is quite easy. To remove any chemicals or dirt, use hot, soapy water for cleaning. A long-handled spoon or ladle can be used to remove the food from deep pots. The pots should then be properly stored in a clean, dry place. The stock pot is indeed a versatile cook ware and will be a great investment for your kitchen.
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Posted by Kitchen Appliances – Stock Pot
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